Friday, February 29, 2008

The Local Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen invites you to have lunch with several Original Tuskegee Airmen 11:30 a.m. today at Hanger 1080. This will be an open forum to talk and mingle with people who have paved the way for the Air Force we have today.

Retirements slated

A retirement ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Conference Center for Master Sgt. Ronny Standish, 314th Security Forces Squadron.

The retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. John Golden, 314th Comptroller Squadron, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Little Rock AFB Conference Center. Contact Karen Evans at 987-5868 for more information.

Road closures

Beginning Monday, Thomas Avenue and Third Street are scheduled to close for utilities installation. The Third Street closure will occur after Thomas Avenue utility installation is complete.

The road closures are estimated to end March 14 and are subject to change due to weather or unforeseen site conditions.USPS Base Post Office reopening Tuesday

Thanks to the combined efforts and fantastic work by 314th Civil Engineer Squadron, 314th Communications Squadron and the United States Postal Service, the Little Rock Air Force Base branch of the USPS is scheduled to re-open for business Tuesday.

New program starting at base chapel

Renew your faith and discover the richness of your religion by being part of "Why Catholic?" Using the faith-sharing booklet "Profession of Faith: What we Believe," we will base our sharing on the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Instead of “giving up” something this Lent, let God give you something. "Why Catholic?" is a 12-week program in small communities. Based on the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the program will reflect on the basic truths of faith. Come by the Chapel to sign up, or call Julia Phipps at 987-6014 for more information.

New Air Force requirement

All active-duty members enrolling in college courses using AF tuition assistance for the first time must schedule for a one-time briefing at the Education Center. Registration for class is currently underway.

To schedule, visit the Education Center or call 987-3417 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Allowance 474 review begins Monday

The AMC allowance 474 review will begin Monday and last through Feb. 29 here at the Little Rock Conference Center.

Special interest items of discussion will be the C-130J equipment bed down. All organization equipment account custodians that fall under AMC allowance 474 should be present to answer any questions that may arise during this review. During the review the Equipment Liaison Office will be closed. The next Block III Equipment Custodian training class will be March 12.

Accompanied military members and DoD employees PCSing to Kadena, Yokota, and Misawa AB, Japan, are now authorized the full Joint Federal Travel Allowance weight entitlement, effective March 1.

Keep in mind housing and commercial storage in Japan is limited. Members are advised that they do not have to ship their full weight allowance. For example, if a member ships more than expected, items may not be sent back to CONUS for storage at government expense. Unaccompanied members are authorized either an unaccompanied baggage shipment (air), or 10 percent of the full JFTR weight allowance (surface). Call the Traffic Management Flight for additional questions at 987-3582.

“Commitment to Caring” is the permanent theme for the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) campaign. This year’s campaign begins today and runs through April 4.

The annual AFAF campaign was established to raise money for four charitable organizations benefiting active-duty, Reserve, Guard and retired Air Force personnel and their families, including surviving spouses and their families.

Contributors are able to designate one or more charities to receive their contribution, and 100 percent of their AFAF contribution is passed to their chosen charities.

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the Air Force.

It assists active-duty members and their families facing financial emergencies. It also assists Reserve and Guard personnel serving on extended active duty. Air Force retirees and widows are also considered for assistance on a case-by-case basis.

AFAS funds support a variety of assistance programs and community initiatives, including: General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program, Bundles for Babies, Give-Parents-a-Break Programs, Car Care Because We Care, and special phone cards for deployed members. The Family Support Center has more information on these programs. AFAS gave over $333,830 in 2007 to assist Little Rock AFB programs.

The Air Force Enlisted Foundation is dedicated to the care of widows, widowers and dependents of Air Force enlisted personnel. AFEF has almost 400 housing units in Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar, Fla., that provide residents with an affordable place to live.

Eligible for subsidized housing facilities through this program are widows and widowers, 55 and older, whose spouses were retired enlisted persons from the Air Force. No one is refused assistance due to financial status.

The Air Force Village Indigent Widows’ Fund provides total life care for retired officers and their spouses, widows or widowers and family members.

The fund also offers several other services to active duty officers and their families left in need through a variety of uncontrollable circumstances.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation offers assistance for rent and other financial support to widows and widowers of military personnel, officer and enlisted, who have been left to survive with little or no financial resources. It allows families to continue living in their own communities without having to struggle to meet the daily needs of food, rent and utilities.

This year’s goal is $80,301 and a 50 percent participation rate. If LRAFB achieves both of these goals, the base will receive up to $2,500, which the installation commander will determine how best these funds can be used to benefit the community.

Last year, Little Rock Air Force Base contributed over $125,654 to the Air Force Assistance Fund.

Project officers in each unit will have detailed campaign information and unit goals.

Every active duty member has the opportunity to contribute to the four AFAF charities by cash or by initiating a payroll deduction plan.

Reserve and Guard personnel, as well as civilians, are welcome to contribute cash to the campaign.

For Little Rock goals and contribution procedures, contact your squadron project officer, Capt. Robert Damon at 987-3719, Master Sgt. John Smith at 987-6447 or 1st Lt. Daniel Birge at 987-1157 for more information.

Last weeks’ “Dazzle” was on leadership. Hand in hand with leadership is followership. Followership is when you fully support the objectives, goals and vision of those appointed over you. Not only do you have to do what is directed, you’ve got to embrace the vision with a sense of urgency, personal pride and do everything in your power to make that vision a reality.

Consider the recent Super Bowl champions. Everyone on that team had to exhibit great followership: whether it was the quarterback calling the right plays, the linemen executing the desired blocking scheme or the receivers running the perfect routes. Every member of that team had to work-together to execute the game plan of the head coach.

Don’t look only to your immediate boss, but also try to solve problems for your boss’s boss. Attack every objective with the same drive and urgency as you would apply to your own initiatives. If you don’t like or understand why the organization is heading a particular direction, ask questions. Good followership isn’t blind obedience; rather, you can support the organization better by ensuring that key details have been well thought out and that the leadership’s objectives, goals and vision have been clearly communicated.

Trust your leadership and try to catch their vision. When you do, you’ll enjoy the effort more and we’ll be one step closer to the elusive “Outstanding!”

The last decade has seen the rapid growth and booming development of the retail book sales industry. Giant book retailers have captured the attention of people of all ages by offering the latest in books, magazines, music, wireless internet, movies, and gourmet coffee in a quiet comfortable setting.

I must confess I have spent hours, wandering the aisles of such stores. The only problem with these stores is they aren’t free. Yes, you can browse for hours but the reason the store exists is to sell products.

If you want to leave with it, you buy it.

But, I know a place where you get all this for free.

Well, no coffee but that’s a small thing. It’s your base library.

Our base library, which is part of Services, is one of our best resources and a quality of life benefit you earn. It’s a “members-only” club and your family earns the privilege because of your service to our nation.

In addition to the items offered by big name retail stores, our library offers computers, specialized professional material like the CSAF Reading List collection, group study areas, and material to prepare for college testing.

All this is at no charge to you, but don’t take it for granted. As our budget decreases and the military spending contracts, some would target this benefit as something we can cut.

One way to help prevent this is to maximize the use of your library.

We happen to have one of the best in the entire Air Force, and it’s worth protecting.

We started 2008 off running. Eight weeks later, we’re still running. Thank you all for the hard work and great progress made with the exercise many were involved in President’s Day weekend. Despite rain and power outages, Airmen working hard made good strides to prepare for the ORI in April.

A big thanks also goes out for the fantastic turn-out we had for the National Prayer Breakfast Tuesday morning. Chaplain (Col.) Howard Stendahl, AETC command chaplain, provided us with several inspiring take-aways and inspirational reminders. Additionally, our new Child Development Center opened its doors officially Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony which included Sen. Blanche Lincoln. Team Little Rock’s new CDC will allow us to extend childcare services to more Air Force families, providing another 88 openings for children under age 3. This new facility is a huge step toward taking even better care of our people ... a truly worthy investment in our warfighters.

This is a very big deal for Combat Airlifters!

Speaking of worthy investments, this morning, the Air Force Assistance Fund breakfast officially kicked off the annual AFAF campaign. We ask you to give generously and give what you can to the organization(s) of your choosing; they support worthy and inspiring causes.

The base goal is 100 percent contact and at least 50 percent participation, though we hope to exceed this with your help and contributions.

Today, we welcome everyone to attend the Tuskegee Airmen Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at Hangar 1080. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the rich history of the Air Force today and to honor those who have come before us giving us the amazing freedoms we cherish in the United States today. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black fighter pilots for the famous 99th Fighter Squadron during World War II in the Army Air Corps, predecessor to today’s modern Air Force. They have some amazing stories to share!

That all said, several weeks ago, I mentioned that the road to the ORI would be a marathon, not a sprint. We’re nearing the halfway point now ... it’s time to take a minute and refuel. We are reaching a point in the mission where stress can start to have potentially detrimental effects, some of which is evidenced in the increasing DUIs we’ve had recently. Positive types of stress exist in our lives daily, although we tend to pay more attention to the negatives. Remember to capture the positives, too!

The causes of the stress may be “manufactured” – such as an exercise versus an actual combat environment – but the body’s reaction remains the same. What sets us apart as our nation’s warfighters is our uncanny ability to identify, manage and combat negative stress. All Airmen experience some level of stress, in both our professional and personal lives. The Air Force has long recognized this and has several programs in place that focus on helping Airmen identify, reduce, manage and treat stress.

Be familiar with the support organizations here at Team Little Rock that help us all and be willing and able to seek assistance when needed, whether it’s from our base chapel, medical, Airmen Family and Readiness Center, Services squadron activities, etc. Seek positive ways to decrease your stress; this can include working out at the gym, spending down time with family or friends, catching that basketball or hockey game, hitting one of our many Services activities offered on base, or even just playing some rock guitar or video games. Most importantly, let’s do our best to help each other keep our perspective and positive attitudes and continue to help each other out daily.

You, our Combat Airlifters and our families, remain our most valuable asset in fighting and winning the Global War on Terror. You are all on the front lines in combating stress. Take a good look around. If there are issues in your workplace that might be causing undue stress on your Airmen, find ways to resolve them at the grassroots level. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. The Air Force family is just that: a family. Let’s take good care of our family members!

We’re making great progress as we take each stride toward the ORI. When you see someone’s becoming winded, reach out to them and encourage them along. When you realize that you may be running low yourself, look to your Wingman for help and refuel yourself as well.

Lastly, I will be out of town next week with Chief McLean at the AETC Commander and Command Chief Conference. We’ll ensure we pass feedback to our leadership what a great job our Airmen are doing around the Rock.

We remain proud of the work you do and of your service to the United States Air Force! Combat Airlift!

Friday, February 22, 2008

THE DROP ZONE CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, AR 72078. You may also email them to dropzoneclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

THRIFT SHOP open to the public. MWF, 10 am to 2 pm, first Saturday monthly. Great bargains. All revenues used to support mission. Volunteers and donations welcome. Jacksonville Care Channel, 201 Elm, 982-4647.

FSBO: Beautiful 4 Bedroom/2 Bath, 2,300 sq. ft. home in Beebe. Has beautiful bonus sun room that is great for entertaining. Quiet subdivision. For more info. log on to http://www.infoTube.net/196502 or call (501) 882-6131

The Equal Opportunity Office is looking for a program coordinator and committee members for the 2008 Days of Remembrance for Victims of the Holocaust and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month observances.

The Little Rock AFB Special Observance Program is a wing program carried out by special observance committees. These committees come together for a limited time to plan, organize, and execute events and activities for DoD recognized special observances.

The LRAFB special observance committees are not private organizations and any person assigned to Little Rock AFB (i.e. active duty, retiree, family member, DoD civilian) has an opportunity to be appointed Program Coordinator and participate as a member of any special observance committee.

The Days of Remembrance meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in the EO classroom (building 842, behind the Education building).

The Asian Pacific American Heritage meeting will be held at noon Tuesday in the EO classroom (building 842, behind the education building).

Spouses’ Club luncheon

The Little Rock Spouses’ Club invites all spouses of any Active Duty, Retiree, Guard, or Reserve member of any Branch of Service to a “Me! Me! Me!” luncheon at the Little Rock AFB Conference Center Thursday.

You are not required to be a Spouses’ Club member to attend this function.

Come check the club out and if you would like to join, memberships are half off.

Social and children’s playgroup begin at 10:30 a.m. with lunch at 11 a.m. The menu is grilled chicken salad, rolls, dessert buffet and coffee/tea.

The cost is $9 for 314th Services Club card members and $10 for non-members.

Children’s playgroup will be available at the Thomas Community Activities Center. To reserve places for your children in the playgroup and your meal at the function, RSVP by 5 p.m. Monday at www.littlerockspouses.com or contact Rachel Kreps at 501-765-0316.

PPM replaces DITY in name only

DoD now refers to DITY as PPM. All other aspects of a Personally Procured Move remains the same, only the name has changed.

Those planning a PPM, may bring orders to Traffic Management, and a representative will counsel you on the spot, no need for an appointment.

For further questions on entitlements, contact the TMF at 987-3582.

Retirement slated

A retirement ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Conference Center for Master Sgt. Ronny Standish.Commissioning briefing

An Education Center Commissioning briefing is set for 1 p.m. Thursday.

All active-duty airmen interested in applying for 2008 and 2009 commissioning programs need to attend this briefing. Get the latest on application procedures, changes in age cutoffs and board dates. Call 987-3417 to schedule for the briefing.

Due to heightened TSA inspection requirements and the distance from passenger screening area to the departure gates, it is advised the travelers scheduled to fly out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Yokota or Kadena Air Base must check in as early as six hours, but no later than three hours and 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Checking in between these periods will allow adequate time for processing mission and providing excellent customer service at the AMC Terminal.

For more information, contact the Traffic Management Flight at 987-3582.

The Airman Against Drunk Driving Program is a program used at many bases to combat DUIs and give servicemembers a safe ride home when their plans fall through.

Every weekend, Airmen from across the base volunteer their off-duty time to ensure Airmen who have been drinking make it home from bars, restaurants and parties safe.

Since the beginning of the this year alone, the AADD program has been responsible for bringing home more than 60 Airmen safely.

“The life of the program lies in our volunteers,” said Tech. Sgt. Sheri Masterson, AADD’s president.

“AADD volunteers will go out and pickup impaired military members, no questions asked,” Sergeant Masterson said.The program is available to all military members who choose not to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Every weekend, volunteers go on-call to help combat the threat of DUIs.

“As DUIs for this year have increased, it is important for Airman to realize that there are many alternatives to picking up the keys after drinking,” said Sergeant Masterson.

Airmen should have a plan in-place when they go out drinking, when that plan falls through, they should always consider the possible consequences of drinking and driving to the alternative of getting a ride home.

“There is no excuse for drinking and driving when an Airman has the option to call a cab, a wingman, a supervisor or AADD at 987-AADD,” she said. “By far, someone taking the time to give them a ride far outweighs the risk of a getting a DUI, getting into an accident or the risk of hurting themselves or another person on the road.”

A member of the 314th Security Forces Squadron was recognized for his efforts during a recent deployment to Iraq.

Master Sgt. Mark Evans was presented the Bronze Star by Maj. Christopher Ford, 314th Security Forces Squadron commander, for his achievements while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

While stationed in Iraq, Sergeant Evans played a key leadership role with the protection of the largest theater internment facility in the Department of Defense with more than 14,000 detainees and a logistical support area housing more than 3,000 Coalition Forces, according to the citation.

“Mark always sought out chances to lead,” said retired Chief Master Sergeant Keith Morris, former 314th Security Forces Squadron superintendent. “Whenever there was a vacancy, Mark was the one who was gone to to fill the void. He stepped in and filled big shoes on more than one occasion to keep the security on this base solid.”

Sergeant Evans’ affinity for leadership opportunities did not stop while in Iraq. His daily responsibilities included tracking the movements of 116 forces daily as they carried out missions. His leadership and preparedness were immediately made known when shortly after arriving at in country, mortar and rocket attacks were initiated by insurgents on three separate occasions. Sergeant Evans directed defensive forces to various covered positions around the base which providing 360 degree security to identify and neutralize the attacking insurgents.

Deployed supervisors said the mission succeeded because of him, and they couldn’t imagine the mission being successful without his leadership there.

As squad leader for area security operations, Evans was also responsible for a large tactical and defensive footprint “outside the wire,” according to the citation. In three months time, he led 117 combat patrols on more than 5,000 miles of Iraqi roadways conducting mounted, dismounted and presence patrols, improvised explosive device and wire sweeps, personnel security details, listening and observation posts, and vehicle checkpoint operations into and out of Iraq. In addition, he conducted 40 counter-improvised explosive device sweeps along the main and alternate supply routes helping to secure 253 coalition convoys carrying more than 1,000 personnel and 2,000 vehicles delivering food, water, fuel, ammunition and other critical items. “He’s easily the hottest burning NCO in the wing, and clearly is headed for great things,” added Chief Morris. “If I had some chief stripes, I’d put them on Mark right now.”

The Bronze Star medal, authorized by Executive Order No. 9419 Feb. 4, 1944, is awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States on or after Dec. 7, 1941, shall have distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.

Simply said, leadership is the ability to get other people to follow what you do, where you go, or what you wish to achieve. This base is overflowing with leaders. In fact, everyone has the opportunity for leadership.

Enthusiasm is contagious. Excellence and attention to detail can be taught. Concern for others is the fabric that holds units together. All of these are leadership skills that can be used by any Airmen from E-1 to O-7 to get this team toward our goal of three “Outstanding” grades in our coming inspections. It doesn’t matter if you are a supervisor, section chief, or commander, you can still be a leader.

So what are you doing to lead this team? Step out and help cheer your teammates on when the going gets tough. Don’t be a complainer, be a problem-solver. Set an example of superior professionalism through your personal dress and appearance and adherence to customs and courtesies.

We are approaching the “gut check” phase of our preparations for these inspections. We have two more rigorous exercises right around the corner. We’re having extra self-inspections and staff assistance visits to validate our compliance. We’ll have to put in long hours to prepare the base for the inspector general reception. The next air expeditionary force rotation is about to launch. The single common thread of success for all of these challenges is: leadership.

The military is launching a new campaign later this month, and it might change your life … in fact, I hope it does.

The “Military Saves Campaign” is a Department of Defense initiative targeting an area near and dear to my heart.

I’ve commented before on my concerns about the amount of debt carried by the average American and a quick Web search reveals that total consumer debt (not counting mortgage debt) is $2.46 trillion.

Trillion … I nearly had to take my shoes off to count the number of zeros for that number. Financial freedom and debt-free living is a goal we should all share, and I have a strategy that doesn’t miss. For many Americans the concept is hard to grasp, but here it is: Don’t spend money you don’t have.

Even better, save money for future needs. Saving for a rainy day is more than a trite saying – you will have crisis (rain) in your life and having an emergency fund can keep you from falling into debt during tough times.

Additionally, saving money gives you access to what I call the “Eighth Wonder of the World” – the miracle of compound interest.

The critical piece of this miracle is time. The longer you save the more the compound interest works for you.

If you save $20 per week and earn 10 percent interest, you will have more than $500,000 in 40 years.

If you want more details go online and play with the interest calculators available. It will open your eyes to the power of compound interest, and why you should be saving money.

Do not drink and drive! The message is simple. We heard it as teens in driver’s education. We see the Mothers Against Drunk Driving ads in our favorite magazines and sandwiched between our music videos. More than 97 million viewers caught the message during this year’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLII. It’s five simple words: do not drink and drive.

In October, during Wingman Day activities, combat airlifters signed a contract vowing to use alcohol responsibly and to not drive if they were intoxicated. Commanders brief the importance of having a plan at calls and functions every month. Yet somehow, that message isn’t getting through to some.

In the first two weeks of February alone, we’ve unfortunately had approximately five people apprehended for driving while under the influence.

We’re realists – we know people are going to drink alcohol; it’s legal over age 21 in the United States, obviously. Along with the MADD ads on Super Bowl Sunday, ads also exalted the virtues of barley and hops. However, even those ads ended with the tag line begging you to “indulge responsibly.”

The message is clear, folks: you’re free to drink ... but obligated to consume responsibly!

Every person who has been a member of the Air Force family for more than a month has heard the “war cry” to “have a plan …” You’ve heard “have a backup plan when your plan fails.” Those plans seem to be failing now, and we will no longer tolerate it. One DWI arrest is one too many.

We have set positive reinforcements across The Rock – no DWIs for 60 days equals time off. The past two down days were offered in conjunction with a holiday, equating to four days off. With the current trend, it seems we’re making negative headway.

The few can spoil it for the many, so watch out for your wingman. Encourage each other to do the right thing and to watch out for others on the road whose lives may be impacted by a drunk driver as well. Don’t become a statistic.

This message should be crystal clear – we will not tolerate impaired driving from anyone ... at any time. Punishment will be swift and harsh for violators.

There are too many alternatives to driving while intoxicated. Every person has a recall roster and an infinite number of people they can call if they’re in a bind.

Do not be afraid to contact someone in your chain of command if your plan fails; they will be happy to help you. Airmen Against Drunk Driving has proven time and again to be a free, zero retribution means to arriving home safely. AADD can be reached at 987-AADD.

The Jacksonville/Cabot/North Little Rock area alone has at least 11 cab companies in a 20-mile radius that operate 24/7. The Conway area has another six. Every bar has a bartender willing to call for that ride home. Every pay phone has a phonebook attached to it. Every cellular user has access to 4-1-1 information services. It’s easy to make the right choice. We demand it, and so does your country! We ask that you join us in ensuring that your wingman always has a plan. Check yourself, check your friends and check your troops. Driving while under the influence is a means to an end – the end of your career or the end of your life...or someone else’s life.

Those risks aren’t ones that any person should be willing to take.

Good judgment and safety should always be at the forefront of your minds. We can’t do the mission without each one of you here.

We need you to make the smartest, safest decisions for your life, other’s lives, and our country’s freedoms ... and lives of those around the world. Take care of one another and keep each other alive! Combat airlift!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

THE DROP ZONE CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, AR 72078. You may also email them to dropzoneclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

THRIFT SHOP open to the public. MWF, 10 am to 2 pm, first Saturday monthly. Great bargains. All revenues used to support mission. Volunteers and donations welcome. Jacksonville Care Channel, 201 Elm, 982-4647.

The guest speaker this year is AETC Command Chaplain, Col. Howard Stendahl. Tickets cost $5 for E-5 and below, and $7 for all others. Tickets are available through the First Sergeants and the Base Chapel and must be purchased by close of business Wednesday.

The breakfast buffet menu includes scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, biscuits with gravy, fruit, and pastries. Vegetarian and kosher options are available on request. Dress for military is Uniform of the Day. For more information, contact the Base Chapel at 987-6014.

Mr. Elkins has served as a base graphic artist for more than 37 years. For more details, call 987-6744 or 987-3601.

Quarterly BBQ set

Quarterly Dorm Residents BBQ is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Thomas Community Activities Center. The barbecue is open to all base dormitory residents. There will be free hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and chips. Mission Support Group senior NCOs are needed to help set up, serve food and drinks, and clean up.

For details, contact Master Sgt. Karl Mecca at karl.mecca@littlerock.af.mil. Set up will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 15.

Scholarship applications are now available

The Little Rock Spouses’ Club announces that 2008 scholarship and school grant applications are now available.

In 2007 the Little Rock Spouses’ Club awarded over $17,000. Arkansas high school seniors and spouses of full-time active duty, guard, reserve and retired members are eligible to apply.

Applications are located in the 314th Medical Group, in the following areas: Flight Medicine, Women's Health, Family Medicine, Dental, and Eye Clinic. Applications are also available at the LRSC Thrift Shop, Bowling Alley, AFRC, and high school guidance counselors' offices.

Applications must be postmarked by March 31. For more information and applications please see our website: www.littlerockspouses.com.

The Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Judge Decatur Chapter, from Little Rock Air Force Base, will host their second annual social giving honor to the original Tuskegee Airmen from Arkansas Feb. 22.

This event will take place at the Robinson Center Exhibition Hall, in downtown Little Rock. Guest speakers will include three original Tuskegee Airmen, whom are native Arkansans.

The social will include a silent auction with autographed Tuskegee Airmen artwork, a P-51 aircraft signed by the attending original Tuskegee Airmen and more. The social will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the program will start at 7 p.m.

Civilian registration for March through May 2008 on-base college classes will be conducted off-base at the Jacksonville Community Center from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 26.

Registration is only for individuals who do not have a valid ID to enter the base.

For details, call the universities: ASU-Beebe at 988-4151, Park University at 988-5624, Southern Illinois at 988-1391, Embry-Riddle at 987-5550, UA-Fayetteville at 988-2522 and Webster University at 988-5331.

Twelve Airmen and civilians were named the best of the best at the 2007 Little Rock Air Force Base Annual Awards, base officials announced Feb. 1.

The awards ceremony, which took place in the base Sports and Fitness Center, gathered all the nominees, their families, friends, coworkers and supervisors to recognize their efforts throughout the year.

“In my book, tonight's winners are just a bit better this year than all the other winners around them,” said General Halter. “And the best news? Unlike the teams in the Super Bowl, I can guarantee that our team be back here next year, doing the same thing, with the same people as part of the same great Air Force... because “The Rock” and the air force have made a habit of excellence.”

Prior to the awards ceremony, all the nominees were presented with a medallion for being selected as quarterly award winners from Brig. Gen. Rowayne Schatz Jr., 314th Airlift Wing commander.

In addition to highlighting the Airmen, Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Swaim was presented with the first Little Rock Air Force Base Cornerstone Award – an award that was created to honor a prominent civic leader who exemplifies outstanding service and commitment to the men and women of Little Rock AFB and continues to strengthen the foundation set by the Founding Fathers of the base.

The night wrapped up with a performance by the Air Force’s Tops in Blue group.

Safety is paramount — NOT! Before the safety conscious give me the scarlet “U” for “unsafe,” read what follows. The mission is paramount; the mission requires that we retain maximum mission effectiveness over time; we can only maintain mission effectiveness over time if we preserve our resources, facilities and personnel.

That means that safety is paramount to mission execution!

Our demanding missions require that we take risks. We are not risk adverse; rather, we proactively manage risk by identifying the hazards, assessing the risk, create and implement mitigation controls and then reassess our success. The implementation of ORM is a tool to enable the mission to be executed quickly, easily and repeatedly with successful results. In fact, the mission may require accepting great additional risk in order to achieve a great objective or opportunity.

When we do something that provides little tangible benefit, yet is loaded with risk, then we don’t do it. If we fail to properly execute mitigation strategies, then we unknowingly increase our risk to unacceptable levels. You know the basics: look both ways before crossing the street; wear your PPE and reflective belts; if it looks stupid, it usually is. When unusual situations occur, consider the hazards and risks, and then make the decision at the appropriate level. Let common sense guide your judgment and the mission will prevail. Slow is smooth; smooth is fast!

For the longest time, I was convinced global warming was an issue created and sustained by tree huggers with nothing better to do than make unwanted noise and use guilt to manipulate our society. I still haven’t completely shelved that line of thinking, but I think it’s irresponsible to overlook the benefits of being environmentally aware. Plus, I don’t like paying $3 a gallon for gas. Need some convincing? Here are three reasons: energy savings, limited resources and good stewardship.

Our Air Force is facing limited resources and we need to conserve our dollars wherever possible. The double jeopardy situation we face is reduced funding coupled with energy prices at record highs. Energy is expensive and the rise in fuel prices, stoked by the laws of supply and demand, will be limited only by our appetite. Until we find a source of energy that doesn’t have limits, our nation is at the mercy of those who control it. No doubt about it, our national security policy is linked to the oil reserves in the Middle East.

Saving gas does more than keep money in your pocket, it helps our nation.

Finally, I challenge you to look at environmental awareness from a stewardship standpoint. Stewardship is caring for what you have. As an individual, it’s my inherent obligation to not waste what I have been given, and it’s yours too.

Our country is majestic in its breathtaking beauty and incredible natural resources. Spend a rotation in the desert and you will have a new appreciation for the color green. We’re blessed with abundant resources … I’m not going to hug trees but I will do my part. I challenge you to do the same.

Wow! What a great way to start the month of February. On Feb. 1, we had the distinct pleasure of escorting Maj. Gen. Irving Halter, Jr., 19th Air Force commander, and his wife, Judy, to Little Rock Air Force Base’s 2007 annual awards ceremony. Twelve annual award winners from across the base — Airmen, officers and civilians – the best-of-the-best in their respective areas were named (see page 7). Congratulations to winners and nominees alike! The competition was fierce and choosing winners was definitely challenging! All who were nominated – not just the award winners – should be proud of their above-and-beyond achievements. These combat airlifter superstars didn’t get to where they are alone, however.

It takes a lot of teamwork in any section for one person to excel. The achievements of these few are something you can all be proud of.

Maj. Gen. Halter, needless to say, was very impressed by Team Little Rock. The dedication and hard work you put into your days proved self-evident. He departed with a great view of the incredible accomplishments achieved right here daily and the critical impact each one of you holds in serving and preserving our nation.

On Friday, we also had the honor of presenting the Honorable Tommy Swaim, City of Jacksonville mayor, with the Little Rock AFB “Cornerstone Award.” This award, created this year, recognizes a civic leader who excels in base and community involvement, Airmen interaction, mission impact and a commitment of service to Team Little Rock. Mayor Swaim has long been a staunch advocate for the men and women of Little Rock AFB.

He has been our link for 22 years between the civilian community and the military. This award was definitely well-deserved. It, too, was not an easy selection due to the outstanding support of our local communities and their fantastic leaders!

Looking ahead, February will be very busy. We have much to do to prepare for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection in April and not many days remaining for overall preparation. Everyone has a lot on their plate right now. That being said, there are still a few other things to keep on your radar.

The Deployed Family Dinner, hosted by our base chapel, is at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Thomas Community Activities Center. The dinner is free to all families of deployed personnel from across Little Rock AFB.

We encourage you to come spend some time with other families facing similar struggles that come with holding down the fort at home so our warfighters can focus on the mission.

The Valentine’s for Veterans program gives you another opportunity to honor America’s great warfighters. This program salutes hospitalized veterans in our local area. On Thursday, combat airlifters will be delivering Valentine’s Day wishes and Friday they’ll be delivering lunch. We encourage you all to support this outstanding program where mission allows.

These heroes have given much for their country; it’s our turn to give back and say a small “thank you.” Check this week’s Drop Zone or contact Capt. Anna Murray, our project officer, at 987-3358.

February also marks African-American/Black History month. Team Little Rock agencies will host events throughout the month. This is an opportunity to celebrate heritage and diversity while educating others on history and cultural values. Let’s celebrate the diversity we have here; without it, we would not be the absolutely amazing Air Force we are today.

On a much more somber note, people need to stop driving under the influence. There were three DWI arrests over Super Bowl weekend alone – this is unacceptable! It is like playing with a loaded gun; at some point, someone will be killed. Three DWI arrests are three too many. We also have had quite a few tragedies recently across Air Education and Training Command and, closer to home, here at “The Rock.” We have lost valuable members of Team Little Rock as well as family members. Some incidents were alcohol related; some were not. Safety is paramount. The absolute bottom-line: drinking alcohol and driving needs to stop. It needs to stop now. It will not be tolerated lightly. Also, watch out for others while out on the roads; they may not have safety at the top of their lists.

You’ve heard it before: we all need to have a plan, and a backup plan. Wrap your arms around each other and watch out for each other. The loss of one person impacts our lives and our mission significantly. You are very important to your families, your friends and your country. Take responsibility for yourselves and each other. We need to stand together, stand strong and help our team stay together and stay alive. Thank you all for your continued dedication to the mission and to your country!